Program overview
Graduate study in Biological Sciences puts students on the front lines of discovery. Doctoral students design, conduct and analyze original research; they develop rigorous expertise in everything from foundational theory and the study of evolution to cutting-edge research methodologies as they investigate a broad range of biological problems ranging from the molecular level to the biosphere. Degrees are offered in four integrated areas: biochemistry; ecology and evolutionary biology; integrative cell biology; and microbiology. The program takes four to five years, with funding available through sources such as scholarships, teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and supervisor's research grants.
Completing this program
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Research Seminar: Related to supervisor interest, and may include biochemistry, cell biology, ecology and evolutionary biology or microbiology.
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Candidacy: Students will prepare a research proposal or essay, followed by an oral exam in their field of research expertise.
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Additional Courses: Topics may cover biology of laboratory animals, theory and lab methods, statistical methods, recent advances and Darwin.
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Thesis: Students will propose, write and successfully defend a research thesis.
Specializations
- Biochemistry
- Biophysical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Ecology
- Environmental Biology
- Evolutionary Biology
- Molecular Microbiology
- Physiology
- Structural Biology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Energy and Environmental Systems
Outcomes
Professor, biologist, teacher, consultant, scientist (agricultural/forestry breeding, process development, environmental), data analyst, biotechnologist, genetic counsellor, manager (lab, project, clinic, territory, resource), science writer, research technician, bioscience/biotechnology business.
A PhD in biological sciences is usually considered a final degree.
Thesis-based program
Students are required to prepare a thesis and successfully defend in an open oral defense.
Courses
Minimum of two courses, with additional seminar courses
Learn more about program requirements in the Academic Calendar
Classroom delivery
Time commitment
Four years full-time; six years maximum
Supervisor
A supervisor is required, and must agree to oversee the student's research before admission will be granted
Fees and funding
See the Graduate Calendar for information on fees and fee regulations, and for information on awards and financial assistance.
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Accepting InquiriesBehavioural and physiological ecology, conservation biology -
Accepting InquiriesDynamics of locomotion
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UnavailableEcology of resource-tracking, Physical wear and foraging in bumble bees, Detecting ecological impacts with density-dependent spatial distributions -
Accepting InquiriesEukaryotic Gene Expression and Regulation -
UnavailableProteomics, proteases, systems biology, inflammation, immunity -
Accepting InquiriesMicrobial Ecology / Environmental Microbiology, Biotechnology -
Accepting InquiriesPlant Metabolic Biochemistry -
Accepting InquiriesInfectious Disease Immunology -
Accepting Inquiries
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Accepting InquiriesStructural Biology
Admission requirements
GPA
A minimum of 3.2 GPA on a 4.0 point system, over the past two years of full-time study (a minimum of 10 full-course equivalents or 60 units) of the undergraduate degree.
Minimum education
Completion of a Master of Science program recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies. Exceptional students may apply to a PhD program without a Master of Science recognized by the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
Work samples
None
Documents
A concise statement outlining the applicant's research interests and reasons for wishing to attend the University of Calgary
Reference letters
Three academic reference letters along with the required reference form.
Test scores
None
English language proficiency
An applicant whose primary language is not English may fulfill the English language proficiency requirement in one of the following ways:
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score of 105.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score of 7.5.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) score of 75, or higher (Academic version).
- Canadian Academic English Language test (CAEL) score of 70 with no section less than 70.
- Academic Communication Certificate (ACC) score of A- in each course.
Deadlines
For admission on September 1
- Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by June 1
- International (students with international transcripts)- apply by May 1
For admission on January 1
- Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by Oct. 1
- International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Sept. 1
For admission on May 1
- Canadian and permanent resident (students with Canadian or U.S. transcripts)- apply by March 1
- International (students with international transcripts)- apply by Jan. 1
If you're not a Canadian or permanent resident, or if you have international credentials, make sure to learn about international requirements
Learn more about this program
Department of Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences Building 186
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, ABT2N 1N4
403-220-6623
Faculty of Science
University of Calgary
2500 University Drive NW
Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4
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